Manchester United manager Marc Skinner is determined to guide his side back to Wembley following a hard-fought 3‑1 victory over Sunderland in the Women's FA Cup quarter-final.
Last season, the Red Devils made history by lifting the FA Cup trophy at Wembley - the club’s first major honour since the women’s side was reformed in 2018.
Skinner was delighted as his team continued their impressive cup run against the lowest-ranked opponent remaining in the competition.
Goals from Leah Galton, Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone saw United overcome the Black Cats. Reflecting on his side’s remarkable record in the competition, Skinner stated, "I think in the last three years, we've lost one in 13 in the FA Cup.
"So it's an incredible run so far and we want to try and make that one more step and try and get back to Wembley, of course."
On Sunderland and failing to put the game to bed early
Skinner acknowledged Sunderland's resilience and was quick to praise the visitors, noting they were in the game until Ella Toone's stoppage-time header wrapped up the win for the Reds. He said: "I have admiration for Mel (Melanie Reay) and Sunderland, and what she's doing. They made it tough for us.
"I felt, first half, we should have been a little bit more disciplined in our shape, but were doing the right things."
Despite the win, Skinner sensed frustration from his players post-match as they failed to put the game to bed earlier in the tie.
"We were a little bit more threatening on the counter-attack, and fresher second half, of course. But yeah, our players come off frustrated because they haven't scored those chances."
On Toone and Clinton's link up in midfield
Recent questions have arisen over whether key players Ella Toone and Grace Clinton can effectively combine in midfield.
Both players have thrived in advanced midfield roles in the past, raising doubts over whether they can both play together in a balanced midfield.
However, Skinner praised their performances and stressed he is pleased with his teams' midfield dynamic.
"I like the makeup of our midfield. With those two (Toone and Clinton), they're really creative. So we have to have those pockets of creation.
What I've liked about Grace especially, is Tooney’s really good at counter-pressing, and always has been, but Grace has really started to add to her game more of that up and down, kind of (number) eight-moving. And it's where we're going to move her towards for sure.
"A little special mention for Hinata as well, I think she kind of gives you rhythm. She's such a rhythm creator. So, yeah, I think they can (play well together), for sure."
On the importance of versatility within the squad
Dominique Janssen came off the bench for the Red Devils in the second half. The Dutch international, who joined the club from Wolfsburg in the summer, has primarily operated as a defensive midfielder in Skinner's side this season, however, she was brought on to replace Millie Turner in central defence against the Black Cats.
Skinner stressed the importance of having players in the squad who can provide versatility: "It's imperative and vital for us (having versatility). We don't have the biggest of squads.
"It's something we obviously need to look at should we make the Champions League. So, you know, we need to look at that.
"But I will always sign versatile players. I don't like players that play in one position because I just think the game's too fluid now, unless you're Erling Haaland or someone like that who's incredible at that thing that they do, and they just stand out above the rest.
But for us, I think it's about building teams. We build teams rather than just individuals. So it's good for us."
Captain Maya Le Tissier was the standout performer for the Reds against Sunderland, marshalling the backline superbly and contributing a well-deserved goal. Skinner had high praise for his captain, remarking, "Honestly, I'm so happy with her. Because the last few games, you know she's incredible with the ball, we know that.
"But actually, her drive, I think she's actually driven this team. I knew she'd take a bit of time to be the captain she wants to be in two, three years' time. It takes time.
"But the growth I've seen in the second half of the season, just of her leadership qualities is really impressive. She just takes control. She's incredible.
"For someone so young to take that, it makes me feel good for the decision that I made to make her the captain. She had all the qualities, but you never know how a person's going to react. Especially at Manchester United, it's a big club.
"So for her to do what she does, I'm really happy with the decision and the quality that she brings to the team. She's an incredible character, an incredible footballer."
On Poppy Pattison's tragic death
In a heartfelt moment, Skinner wanted to send his condolences to the family of Poppy Atkinson, the 10-year-old Manchester United fan who tragically passed away whilst playing football earlier this week.
"A special mention to obviously Poppy and her family. It's an incredibly difficult moment for them. Being a father myself of two young daughters, I know that you all share the sentiment.
"So we just want to send love through any media outlet that we can to appease any, kind of give them a little bit of respite in their suffering.
"Is there anything us as a club can do? We'll obviously look at that. But just to keep spreading the message of a young Manchester United fan that had dreams of being in our first team in the future. And her tragic life's been cut short.
"So I send all of our love, to her family and everything."